Residential design is all about creating a comfortable and functional living space. Achieving this goal requires careful consideration of numerous factors, including the use of architectural concepts. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into some of the most essential architectural concepts in residential design and how they play a role in creating truly exceptional homes.

Scale and Proportion

Scale and proportion are the foundation of any architectural design. They dictate the size, shape, and relative placement of objects and spaces within a building. To achieve a harmonious and balanced environment, architects must carefully consider how each element relates to the others.

Scale refers to the size of an object relative to its surroundings. When designing a residential space, architects must balance the scale of each piece of furniture and fixture with the size of the room itself. For example, a large sofa may look out of place in a small living room, while a small dining table could feel lost in a large dining room.

Proportion, on the other hand, refers to the relationship between different elements within a space. This includes the relative heights, widths, and depths of doors, windows, and other architectural features. Achieving good proportion requires careful attention to detail and a keen eye for aesthetics.

Finding the perfect balance of scale and proportion is key to creating a space that feels comfortable, inviting, and balanced.

Light and Shadow

The use of light and shadow is another critical aspect of residential design. Light can be used to create a feeling of warmth and spaciousness, while shadows can add depth and texture. When used strategically, light and shadow can help to highlight specific areas or features within a space, and can even help to define the flow of traffic within a room.

Natural light is an essential component of any residential design. Incorporating large windows, skylights, and other elements that allow natural light to flood into a space can help create a healthy and inviting environment. Natural light can also be used to connect indoor and outdoor spaces, helping to create a seamless transition between the two.

Artificial lighting is equally important in residential design. When designing a lighting scheme, architects must consider both the function of each space and the mood they wish to create. Task lighting can be used to provide bright, focused light for specific activities, such as cooking or reading. Ambient lighting can create a soft, warm glow throughout a space, while accent lighting can be used to highlight specific architectural features.

The use of light and shadow is a powerful tool in residential design, helping to create dynamic and visually compelling spaces.

Symmetry and Asymmetry

Symmetry and asymmetry are two opposing concepts that play an important role in residential design. Symmetrical designs feature an axis of symmetry, with each side of the space mirroring the other. Asymmetrical designs, on the other hand, lack this mirror-image quality and may feature elements that are deliberately out of balance.

Symmetry is often associated with classical architecture, where it is used to create a sense of order and stability. It can also be used to make a space feel larger and more spacious, by creating visual continuity between different areas of the space.

Asymmetry, on the other hand, can be used to create a sense of interest and excitement in a space. By intentionally breaking away from strict symmetry, architects can create dynamic and visually compelling designs. Asymmetrical designs can also be used to emphasize the unique qualities of a space, such as an unusual architectural feature or a stunning view.

Texture and Materiality

Texture and materiality are essential components of any residential design. The materials chosen for walls, floors, and other surfaces can have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of a space. Similarly, the use of texture can add depth and interest to a room.

When selecting materials for a residential design project, architects must consider factors such as durability, cost, and aesthetics. They must also consider how different materials will work together within a space, creating a cohesive and visually appealing whole.

Texture can be used to create a sense of warmth, depth, and complexity in a space. This can be achieved through the use of tactile materials, such as stone or wood, or through the incorporation of textural elements.

The use of materials and texture remain an important element of residential design. Different materials and textures can create a range of effects, from adding warmth and softness to creating a more industrial or minimalist feel.

Common materials used in residential design include wood, stone, metal, and concrete. These materials can be used to create a range of textures, from smooth and sleek to rough and rustic. The careful selection and placement of materials are key to creating a cohesive and visually appealing design.

Textures can also be incorporated on a smaller scale, such as through the use of soft furnishings like cushions and throws. These elements can add depth and interest to a space while also creating a feeling of warmth and comfort.

Function and Flow

Finally, when designing a residential space, architects must carefully consider how the space will be used and how people will move through it. This means thinking about factors such as traffic flow, storage, and accessibility.

The function of each space must be carefully considered, and appropriate fixtures and fittings must be selected to support these functions. For example, a kitchen must be designed with ample counter space and storage, while a bedroom must be designed with comfortable sleeping arrangements in mind.

Traffic flow is another important consideration in residential design. Architects must think carefully about how people can be used to add depth and dimension to a space. Effective lighting design must consider both the natural light available and the use of artificial lighting to create a mood or highlight key architectural features.

Balance and Harmony

Balancing all of these elements is key to creating a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing design. Achieving balance involves considering the placement of each element within a space and how they work together to create a cohesive whole.

Harmony is about ensuring that all these elements work together to achieve a unified and pleasing overall design. This includes considering how colors, textures, and materials complement one another and how the design will function as a coherent whole.

In conclusion, residential design is a complex art that involves careful consideration of a range of architectural concepts. By balancing scale and proportion, light and shadow, materials and texture, and balance and harmony, architects can create homes that arenot only functional but also beautiful and inviting.

Heini van Niekerk

While shack architecture in South Africa may not be the most enticing subject matter for those seeking the more glamorous elements of architectural design, it is nonetheless a visual everyday reality and it’s therefore essential to understand its historical roots and significance. In fact, “shacks” have become a prevalent form of architecture in both rural and urban areas, with many people residing in informal settlements across the country. Though one might not immediately want to associate the term "architecture" with shacks, they nonetheless represent a unique and influential aspect of South African reality as an undefined “free and decisive organic design” within the urban landscapes throughout our cities, town entrances and edges. Here we aim to explore the origins and cultural significance of shack architecture in South Africa, particularly in the context of informal settlements. By examining the spatial, material, and cultural aspects of shacks, this study will highlight the creativity and resilience of South African communities while underscoring the urgent need for improved living conditions.

Architecture is a multidimensional discipline that involves designing and constructing buildings, structures, and the spaces in between. In the built environment, architecture constitutes not only the physical form of constructions but also the functional and social aspects of the design. It shapes our daily experiences and influences the way we interact with our surroundings. The South African shack as a form of architecture mean that we can be examining its spatial, material, and social dimensions to better understand its “sense of place” in the broader context of South African design.

Despite being viewed as temporary structures, many people reside in these homes for years, shaping their communities and challenging conventional notions of what constitutes "architecture" in the built environment. The aim to explore the historical and social roots of shack architecture in South Africa and its significance in the broader context of South African design are one that shouldn’t be ignored simply because “it’s not liked” or frowned upon. By delving into the spatial, material, and cultural aspects of shacks, one only stands to gain a better understanding of their place in contemporary South African society by shedding light on the resilience and creativity of the working-class communities who inhabit them while highlighting the urgent need for better living conditions.

Urban Introduction:

With over 13 million people living in informal settlements across South Africa, shacks have become an ubiquitous architectural form in both urban and rural areas. While often seen as temporary structures, many people live in these makeshift homes for decades, shaping the fabric of their communities and challenging notions of what constitutes "architecture" in the built environment. The aim to explore the South African shack as a form of architecture, examining its spatial, material, and social dimensions to better understand its place in the broader context of South African design should not be dismissed.

Historical Context:

The emergence of the South African shack can be traced back to apartheid-era forced removals, which saw millions of black South Africans evicted from their homes and relocated to townships on the outskirts of major cities. These townships lacked basic services like water and electricity and provided only substandard housing options, setting the stage for the growth of informal settlements. Today, shacks are found throughout the country and represent a form of housing for working-class South Africans who cannot afford formal housing.

Spatial Dynamics:

Despite their humble origins, South African shacks have a unique spatial language that sets them apart from other informal housing structures worldwide. Shacks are often configured in dense clusters, with narrow passageways and makeshift courtyards creating interstitial spaces that foster social exchange and community cohesion. The roofs of shacks also often feature a pitched design, allowing for maximum sunlight penetration, while the interior space is partitioned into distinct zones for cooking, sleeping, and communal activities.

Spatial Dimensions of the South African Shack:

The spatial dimensions of the South African shack are shaped by the constraints of the informal settlements in which they are found. The lack of available space means that shacks are often built close together, with narrow alleyways separating them. These alleyways provide the only access to the interior of the settlement and serve as communal spaces for activities like cooking, socializing, and washing.

Inside the shacks themselves, space is at a premium. Rooms are small and arranged in a linear fashion, with the living and sleeping areas often combined into a single space. The kitchen and bathroom are usually located at the back of the shack, with a door leading to the courtyard outside.

Materiality:

At the core of the South African shack's ethos lies the use of readily available materials. Shacks are typically constructed using corrugated iron sheets, wooden pallets, and other recycled items commonly found in informal settlements. This results in a vernacular architecture that is both cost-effective and adaptable to the needs of its occupants. The materials chosen for shack construction also have symbolic meanings, with corrugated iron sheets serving as a visual indicator of poverty and struggle, yet simultaneously evoking resilience and self-determination.

Identity:

The architectural aesthetic of the South African shack has come to be recognized as a unique expression of the identity of those who inhabit them. The vibrant colors and patterns painted on the exterior of shacks, often in the form of political slogans or personal expressions, not only add to their visual appeal but also convey a sense of ownership and pride. Shack owners often personalize their homes with handmade furniture, artworks, and other items that reflect their cultural heritage.

Social Dimensions:

The social dimensions of the South African shack are perhaps the most significant aspect of this architecture. Shacks are often seen as symbols of poverty and marginalization, but they also represent the resilience and ingenuity of their occupants.

Community:

Shacks promote a sense of community and solidarity among their occupants. Neighbours share resources and work together to improve their living conditions, creating a strong sense of social cohesion. Furthermore, the ability to modify and adapt shacks to changing needs allows for a degree of agency and self-determination that is often lacking in more formal housing arrangements.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the South African shack is more than just a shelter; it is an exemplar of architecture born from economic necessity and government failures. As a built form, the shack embodies a spatial language, materiality, and identity that reflects the lives and aspirations of its occupants. In many ways, these structures are a testament to the resilience and creativity of South Africa's working-class communities, who have made homes out of the most modest materials while continuing to fight for better living conditions.

The South African shack remains a unique form of architecture that offers valuable insights into the spatial, material, and social dimensions of the built environment. It challenges our assumptions about what constitutes "good" design and emphasizes the need for a more inclusive and equitable approach to architecture. By studying the South African shack, we can gain a better understanding of the complex factors that shape the built environment and help to create more just and sustainable living spaces for all.

Heini van Niekerk

Heini van Niekerk is a local West Coast Architect with offices in Vredenburg, his company are the Proud Winners Of The 2018, 1st place Community Youth Award for their architecture projects in the West Coast in addition to Best House of the Year. Heini aims to explain parts of his profession in short with a few questions we’ve had.

What do Architects do?

Architects wear many hats in order to make a project successful. Architects design and plan spaces, structures and cities, with consideration for looks (aesthetics), safety, accessibility, functionality for the client, cost, and specifying (the "specs") construction materials and processes. They manage the building project, and most importantly they communicate ideas. The architect's role is to turn ideas (a mental activity) into reality (the "built environment") whilst managing the process in between these two worlds.

Do I need an Architect?

As with any construction project, budget is at the top of the list of concerns. While hiring an architect does add to the overall cost of the project in the beginning, working with an architect will often result in lower overall expenses by anticipating and managing many of the potentially expensive pitfalls of the building process which can actually be a saving. An architect will ensure timely communication and coordination among building trades and consultants to eliminate many hidden and additional expenses which means you will actually be saving.

An architect is trained, experienced and an owner’s best advocate for ensuring a properly designed, cost-effective building and process. While a builder or a home designer may make some adaptations at your request, a good architect will anticipate your needs — even if you are not sure how to express them. But what if your own dreams are more modest? Must you hire an architect? Maybe not. If your taste runs less towards design, low key traditional, you may opt for other cost-saving alternatives.

Who is an Architect?

Not everyone who claims to be an architect are one and there is a difference. Only licensed architects by law can call themselves architects. Architects are registered professionals. Like doctors and lawyers, they have completed university programs, lengthy internships and rigorous exams. Throughout their careers, architects participate in continuing education and professional development, similar to medical doctors and licensed attorneys.

Architecture was not always a licensed profession for all and many plan drafters aim to convince clients that they’re actual architects when they’re not. We’ve had two cases in the last week here in the West Coast where candidate draughtsman with no qualifications or experience claimed to be architects and the owners were convinced. The owners did not know any better and, how could they? Not all home designers have the same level of education or competency as evident in the SAQA gradings for South Africa. Nevertheless, other home designers must still maintain their professional registration with SACAP (South African Council for the Architectural Profession) which demonstrate that they have completed coursework and achieved experience in the field. The field of options for architecture have been divided into the professional categories as architect, senior architectural technologist, architectural technologist and a draughtsman. Always request your architectural professionals Indemnity Insurance which is compulsory and required by law to protect you.

Protecting the Public?

Architecture is a regulated profession and as a member of the public or individual you are protected by the South African Council for the Architectural Profession. The public can check if a person is an architect or not. Simply type in the name, surname or registration number you have and the SACAP register will tell you if they're an architect or not by using the web address below.
https://www.sacapsa.com/search/

Written by Heini van Niekerk